Week 2: Hello hello baby (Telephone songs part 1)

I got so many suggestions of telephone songs that I've divided this week's playlist in two. I also tried to limit the list to songs in which the singer is on the telephone, not just talking about the phone.

Extra credit goes to cheesy videos in which the singer is actually holding a phone, with J.C. Love topping that category. Thanks to Paul W., Guy C., and Andrew N. for unique suggestions, and to Joyce C. for thinking Broadway.

And if you find Stevie Wonder stuck in your head tonight, don't blame me; blame my brother Peter.


1. "He'll Have to Go," Jim Reeves

Put your sweet lips a little closer to the phone
Let's pretend that we're together all alone
I'll tell the man to turn the jukebox way down low
And you can tell your friend there with you he'll have to go

2. "Telephone," Lady Gaga

Hello hello baby you called
I can't hear a thing
I have got no service
In the club you see see

3. "Memphis, Tennessee," Chuck Berry

Long distance information
Get me Memphis, Tennessee
Help me find the party
Tryin' to get in touch with me

4. "Hanging on the Telephone," Blondie

I'm in the phone booth, it's the one across the hall
If you don't answer, I'll just ring it off the wall
I know he's there, but I just had to call
Don't leave me hanging on the telephone

5. "Operator," Jim Croce

Operator, well could you help me place this call
See the number on the matchbook is old and faded

6. "Telephone Hour," Lee Adams & Charles Strouse (Bye Bye Birdie)

Hi, Nancy!
Hi, Helen!
What's the story, morning glory?
What's tale, nightingale?
Tell me quick about Hugo and Kim

7. "Telephone Love," J.C. Love

Telephone love, you sound so sweet on the line
Telephone love, you make my day every time
When you call I feel so good
Wish you were living in my neighborhood

8. "Thank you for Calling," Jo Stafford

Who can it be hello hello
Yes this is me darling oh darling
What a surprise
It's been so long why there's tears in my eyes

9. "I'm Straight," Jonathan Richman

I called this number three times already today
But I, I got scared, I put
It back in place, I put my phone back in place.
I still don't know if I
should have called up.

10. "I Just Called to Say I Love You," Stevie Wonder

No New Year's Day to celebrate
No chocolate covered candy hearts to give away
No first of spring
No song to sing
In fact it's just another ordinary day
More lyrics: http://www.lyricsfreak.com/s/stevie+wonder/#share